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A Blog of Toronto Blue Jays Prospects Interviews, Evaluations and NewsTue, 06 Feb 2018 23:57:43 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.13Kirby Snead Solid Out of the Bullpenhttp://jaysprospects.com/2018/02/06/kirby-snead-dunedin/
http://jaysprospects.com/2018/02/06/kirby-snead-dunedin/#respondTue, 06 Feb 2018 23:57:43 +0000http://jaysprospects.com/?p=11076 Left-handed pitcher Kirby Snead solidified his role in 2017. Snead, who performs primarily as a lefty specialist out of the bullpen excelled in his 55 1/3 innings pitched, between Lansing and Dunedin last season. Finishing his year with an impressive 1.21 WHIP, a 9.1 K/9 ratio, and eight saves was a vast improvement over [...]

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Brian Crawford

Covering the Lansing Lugnuts since 2012, Brian has interviewed several prospects and produced articles that's received a lot of attention from numerous media sources.

Snead, who performs primarily as a lefty specialist out of the bullpen excelled in his 55 1/3 innings pitched, between Lansing and Dunedin last season.

Finishing his year with an impressive 1.21 WHIP, a 9.1 K/9 ratio, and eight saves was a vast improvement over his rookie-season in the organization.

Snead credits his increased success on the mound to the adjustments he made to his mental game last season.

“I kept a consistent mindset and routine last season,” explained Snead. “I made sure to never get to up or down. I just focused on learning every outing, whether it was good or bad. I also became more confident throwing to righties. I found a formula that worked at getting them out consistently.”

And getting righties out is what he did last season. Striking out 15 batters, while maintaining a 1.29 ERA against right-handers was a definite improvement over 2016.

Another contributor was Snead learning more about himself as a pitcher in pro ball, “My first full season was really fun! I learned more about myself as a pitcher than I have in a baseball season before,” stated Snead. “It was a longer season obviously compared to the previous ones I’ve had, but it felt good all-around.”

One thing that was definitely good was Snead’s command of his repertoire. Currently using a mix of a fastball, slider, and changeup; he relies more on movement, instead of velocity to find success every outing.

With that in mind, it’s important for Snead to consistently hit his spots for continued success moving forward, and that’s his plan for 2018.

“My goals for 2018 are to keep being consistent, and to keep learning and improving as a pitcher,” said Snead. “I still have some stuff to learn, so I’m just going to control what I can control and the rest will take care of itself.”

Fans will be following Kirby Snead’s development this season and for years to come.

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Brian Crawford

Covering the Lansing Lugnuts since 2012, Brian has interviewed several prospects and produced articles that's received a lot of attention from numerous media sources.

]]>http://jaysprospects.com/2018/02/06/kirby-snead-dunedin/feed/0Chavez Young Enjoying Leadoff Rolehttp://jaysprospects.com/2018/01/04/chavez-young-vancouver/
http://jaysprospects.com/2018/01/04/chavez-young-vancouver/#respondFri, 05 Jan 2018 02:09:39 +0000http://jaysprospects.com/?p=11058 Outfielder Chavez Young found success as a leadoff hitter last season. Finishing 2017 with a solid .283/.336/.445 slash line in 265 at-bats between Bluefield and Vancouver was an excellent way to handle his role. Factor that in with his 75 hits, 13 walks, and 55 runs scored; and it would appear that Young is [...]

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Brian Crawford

Covering the Lansing Lugnuts since 2012, Brian has interviewed several prospects and produced articles that's received a lot of attention from numerous media sources.

Outfielder Chavez Young found success as a leadoff hitter last season.

Finishing 2017 with a solid .283/.336/.445 slash line in 265 at-bats between Bluefield and Vancouver was an excellent way to handle his role.

Factor that in with his 75 hits, 13 walks, and 55 runs scored; and it would appear that Young is comfortable batting in the leadoff spot.

But Young enters the batter’s box with a greater focus than just reaching base and scoring runs.

“I know if I get on base we’ll score runs. But I like seeing a lot of pitches, too,” explained Young. “By doing this, I can work up the pitch count and wait out a good pitch to drive.”

His ability to wait out pitches is something that Young is very proud of,”Pitch recognition has been the biggest transition for me in professional baseball,” stated Young. “I kept a really calm approach last season and I’m really proud of the fact that I took more pitches and stayed patient in the box.”

Another area Young takes a lot of pride is his versatility in the field. While, the prospect has the ability to play all three outfield positions; he feels most at home in center.

“I like center the best, because I am the boss,” said Young. “In center I can direct the field on how I want to play hitters and go gap-to-gap.”

Logging 450 innings in center last season, Young maintained a .993 fielding percentage, while picking up five outfield assists, and taken part in two double plays at the challenging position.

Young will definitely be ready to make a major push to join a full season affiliate in 2018, after the success he found in short-season ball last year.

Toronto Blue Jays fans will definitely be watching out for Chavez Young this season, and for years to come, as he continues to find success as a leadoff hitter.

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Brian Crawford

Covering the Lansing Lugnuts since 2012, Brian has interviewed several prospects and produced articles that's received a lot of attention from numerous media sources.

]]>http://jaysprospects.com/2018/01/04/chavez-young-vancouver/feed/0Jonathan Davis Looking to Build Off 2017 Seasonhttp://jaysprospects.com/2017/12/11/jonathan-davis-new-hampshire/
http://jaysprospects.com/2017/12/11/jonathan-davis-new-hampshire/#respondMon, 11 Dec 2017 18:10:50 +0000http://jaysprospects.com/?p=11050 Outfielder Jonathan Davis is ready for next season after a decent showing in Arizona. Maintaining a .295/.389/.410 slash line in 78 at-bats with the Peoria Javelinas; was a great indicator that Davis is ready to make a major push towards the big leagues next spring. Thankful for the opportunity the Blue Jays’ gave him [...]

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Brian Crawford

Covering the Lansing Lugnuts since 2012, Brian has interviewed several prospects and produced articles that's received a lot of attention from numerous media sources.

Outfielder Jonathan Davis is ready for next season after a decent showing in Arizona.

Maintaining a .295/.389/.410 slash line in 78 at-bats with the Peoria Javelinas; was a great indicator that Davis is ready to make a major push towards the big leagues next spring.

Thankful for the opportunity the Blue Jays’ gave him down in Arizona; Davis took a moment to remember everybody that has supported his career to date.

“I just want to thank the Blue Jays for giving me this amazing opportunity,” said Davis. “I also want to thank my dad, mom, sister, and fiancé for always believing in me and for helping me get to this stage in my career.”

His opportunity came after a strong showing with the double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Recording 111 hits with 20 doubles, four triples, and 10 home runs in 446 at-bats; was a great way to kickoff his double-A career.

A major contributor to his production has been his dedication on improving his plate approach every season.

“My plate approach has come a long way,” stated Davis. “I used to be a free swinger when I first entered professional baseball, but I have adjusted to the better pitching I’ve faced at each level.”

Part of adjusting to that pitching was being able to hit off-speed pitching more consistently at the double-A level.

“Pitchers would overpower you in ‘A’ ball with their fastballs,” explained Davis. “The double-A pitchers have more pitches in their repertoire that you need to be prepared to face on a nightly basis.”

But Davis has done more than just adjusting to better pitching. He has also sharpened his defensive game every season.

His hard work paid off in New Hampshire in 2017, as Davis maintained an impressive .994 fielding percentage in 1052 1/3 innings amongst the three outfield positions.

Despite the improvements he has made since turning pro, Davis is remaining humble and focused on improving everything next season.

“I hope to continue to mold my game and play every outfield position next season,” stated Davis. “I also hope to improve my bat. There’s so many little things you can learn in this game.”

Toronto Blue Jays fans certainly hope Jonathan Davis can continue to keep that mindset heading into 2018, as he looks to earn another promotion in their system.

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Brian Crawford

Covering the Lansing Lugnuts since 2012, Brian has interviewed several prospects and produced articles that's received a lot of attention from numerous media sources.

]]>http://jaysprospects.com/2017/12/11/jonathan-davis-new-hampshire/feed/0Connor Law Succeeded in Debut Seasonhttp://jaysprospects.com/2017/11/20/connor-law-bluefield/
http://jaysprospects.com/2017/11/20/connor-law-bluefield/#respondMon, 20 Nov 2017 16:50:02 +0000http://jaysprospects.com/?p=11030 Adjusting to the demands of the professional game has been an easy transition for Connor Law. Allowing just four earned runs, and maintaining an impressive 0.99 WHIP in his 28 1/3 innings was an impressive start. Finding success with his three pitch mix; Law uses a 4-seam fastball, changeup, and slider in his repertoire. [...]

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Brian Crawford

Covering the Lansing Lugnuts since 2012, Brian has interviewed several prospects and produced articles that's received a lot of attention from numerous media sources.

Adjusting to the demands of the professional game has been an easy transition for Connor Law.

Allowing just four earned runs, and maintaining an impressive 0.99 WHIP in his 28 1/3 innings was an impressive start.

Finding success with his three pitch mix; Law uses a 4-seam fastball, changeup, and slider in his repertoire.

Staying ahead in counts by challenging hitters high in the zone with his 4-seam fastball, Law discusses how he uses his heater to his advantage every outing.

“I’ve noticed I get a lot of swiping misses when I throw up in the zone,” explained Law. “My main focus is to change the hitters eye level. I throw down either in or out and go up when I’m ahead in the count.”

Achieving what he wanted during his first professional season, Law looks back on his 2017 season with fond admiration.

“I really enjoyed my first season,” stated Law. “The guys behind me were great on and off the field and that made the whole experience that much better. The coaches I had were great with helping with development, not only as a pitcher, but as an athlete. Overall, it was a great experience and I can’t wait to get back and continue to improve.”

Preparing for professional baseball, as a student athlete at Lindenwood University in Missouri; Law describes the differences between playing college and pro ball.

“I think the biggest difference is the amount of baseball I’m around now,” said Law. “It’s almost baseball 24/7 instead of having school in-between sessions. As much as I enjoyed school, having more time for just baseball has been a nice change.”

Focused on improving every aspect of his conditioning this off-season, Law has returned home to work on his mechanics, diet, and helping local kids improve their game.

“My plans for the off-season are to workout with a large emphasis on mobility and movement,” stated Law. “The Blue Jays have a great workout program and are very big on nutrition, so focusing on those two things will prepare me well for spring training and everything after. I also plan on giving pitching lessons to local kids in my spare time.”

With all of the dedication that Connor Law puts into his craft, fans of the Toronto Blue Jays will definitely be following his development for years to come.

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Brian Crawford

Covering the Lansing Lugnuts since 2012, Brian has interviewed several prospects and produced articles that's received a lot of attention from numerous media sources.

]]>http://jaysprospects.com/2017/11/20/connor-law-bluefield/feed/0Mitch McKown Focused on Continual Growthhttp://jaysprospects.com/2017/11/11/mitch-mckown-bluefield/
http://jaysprospects.com/2017/11/11/mitch-mckown-bluefield/#respondSat, 11 Nov 2017 21:19:22 +0000http://jaysprospects.com/?p=11036 Right-handed pitching prospect Mitch McKown improved a lot with the Bluefield Blue Jays in 2017. Pitching in 25 1/3 innings with Bluefield; McKown only allowed 10 earned runs, and held opposing hitters to just a .198 mark against him. His success in the bullpen was a welcoming sign, as McKown struggled in the GCL [...]

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Brian Crawford

Covering the Lansing Lugnuts since 2012, Brian has interviewed several prospects and produced articles that's received a lot of attention from numerous media sources.

Pitching in 25 1/3 innings with Bluefield; McKown only allowed 10 earned runs, and held opposing hitters to just a .198 mark against him.

His success in the bullpen was a welcoming sign, as McKown struggled in the GCL in 2016.

McKown credits his better numbers in Bluefield to the coaching he received with the Blue Jays’ advanced-rookie ball affiliate.

“The coaching staff in Bluefield was amazing,” said McKown. “Following their guidance was a major factor in my improvements this past season.”

Another component to his success was McKown’s increased confidence when walking out to the mound.

“Feeling comfortable and confident was the biggest factor to maximizing my ability on the mound in 2017,” explained McKown. “Although, I’m happy with the improvements, I know there’s still things I have yet to learn to better my game.”

Continuing to sharpen and develop his three pitches will be one of the areas McKown will be working on in upcoming seasons.

Currently using a mix of a fastball, curveball, and changeup; McKown discusses how he tries to get his fastball and curveball on the same plain.

“I try to get backspin on my fastball which can give it late life to work up in the zone,” stated McKown. “Depending on who I’m facing I can get my curveball on the same plain as my fastball and have it drop off the table to get batters to think it’s a fastball, so they bite at it last minute to freeze them.”

Mastering his pitches will be a major focal point next season for McKown; who is focused on cutting down on his walk totals in 2018.

“Next season I plan on working on my consistency and cutting down on my walks,” said McKown. “I really believe hard work leads to continual improvements.”

Toronto Blue Jays fans will be following Mitch McKown, as he continues to improve his game next season and for years to come.

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Brian Crawford

Covering the Lansing Lugnuts since 2012, Brian has interviewed several prospects and produced articles that's received a lot of attention from numerous media sources.

]]>http://jaysprospects.com/2017/11/11/mitch-mckown-bluefield/feed/0Jason Leblebijian Finding Consistencyhttp://jaysprospects.com/2017/11/06/jason-leblebijian-buffalo/
http://jaysprospects.com/2017/11/06/jason-leblebijian-buffalo/#commentsMon, 06 Nov 2017 23:51:51 +0000http://jaysprospects.com/?p=11020 Third baseman Jason Leblebijian made tremendous strides in both phases of his game with the Buffalo Bisons in 2017. Finishing the season with a .258/.323/.405 slash line with 22 doubles, four triples, and 11 home runs in 427 at-bats; was great to see from the young infielder. Leblebijian’s increased production came from the mechanical [...]

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Brian Crawford

Covering the Lansing Lugnuts since 2012, Brian has interviewed several prospects and produced articles that's received a lot of attention from numerous media sources.

Third baseman Jason Leblebijian made tremendous strides in both phases of his game with the Buffalo Bisons in 2017.

Finishing the season with a .258/.323/.405 slash line with 22 doubles, four triples, and 11 home runs in 427 at-bats; was great to see from the young infielder.

Leblebijian’s increased production came from the mechanical adjustments he made to his plate approach this season.

“I have made some mechanical adjustments to put me in better positions to drive the ball more consistently,” explained Leblebijian. “I think having the intent to do damage on my pitch has been the biggest change. Instead of just trying to make contact early, I’m more conscious and trying to drive the ball further, especially when I’m in a hitters count.”

Another component that has improved in Leblebijian’s game is his ability at the hot corner. After playing every infield position in the lower levels of the minors; the prospect feels more at home with third now.

“I feel I had a solid season defensively,” said Leblebijian. “This was my second year playing primarily third base and I’m continuing to feel more and more comfortable over there, along with playing anywhere else in the infield.”

Logging 564 2/3 innings at third is 2017; Leblebijian maintained a solid .976 fielding percentage, while taken part in 11 double plays and assisting on another 119 at the challenging position.

An opportunity in the majors won’t be far off for Leblebijian, if he keeps developing the way he did in Buffalo.

Focused on doing just that this off-season, Leblebijian has returned home to prepare for 2018.

“I think overall body strength is always my main key going into the off-season,” stated Leblebijian. “Being able to build my body, so it can get through the entire season is my top priority. Once I feel my body is where I want it to be, I will make a few mechanical adjustments that I hope will create more consistency at the plate.”

Toronto Blue Jays fans hope Jason Leblebijian can do just that and more this off-season.

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Brian Crawford

Covering the Lansing Lugnuts since 2012, Brian has interviewed several prospects and produced articles that's received a lot of attention from numerous media sources.

]]>http://jaysprospects.com/2017/11/06/jason-leblebijian-buffalo/feed/2Jared Carkuff Enjoying Relieving Rolehttp://jaysprospects.com/2017/10/31/jared-carkuff-buffalo/
http://jaysprospects.com/2017/10/31/jared-carkuff-buffalo/#respondWed, 01 Nov 2017 01:31:09 +0000http://jaysprospects.com/?p=11007 Right-handed pitcher Jared Carkuff put up impressive numbers in 2017. Finishing the year with a 1.17 WHIP, and an opponent batting average of .246 in 63 innings was a promising sign for the righty. Beginning his year with the Dunedin Blue Jays; Carkuff would later make stops in Vancouver, Lansing, and Buffalo during his [...]

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Brian Crawford

Covering the Lansing Lugnuts since 2012, Brian has interviewed several prospects and produced articles that's received a lot of attention from numerous media sources.

Finishing the year with a 1.17 WHIP, and an opponent batting average of .246 in 63 innings was a promising sign for the righty.

Beginning his year with the Dunedin Blue Jays; Carkuff would later make stops in Vancouver, Lansing, and Buffalo during his campaign.

Loving every stop he made on the year, Carkuff discusses what he liked best about his 2017 season.

“This past season was an incredible experience,” stated Carkuff. “I was able to fill in with Dunedin out of extended spring training, and I learned a lot about myself. Vancouver is a beautiful place, and it was nice going there to experience that unreal atmosphere. Later I joined Lansing and was able to work on things with less pressure. Getting the late call to Buffalo was amazing and a great experience. All of the guys there treated me really well.”

As expected, Carkuff wants to continue finding success at higher levels next season.

Believing better command with all of his pitches will offer him a better chance of achieving that goal; Carkuff talks about his plans for 2018.

“I want to continue to grow every day,” explained Carkuff. “I want to be able to throw any pitch, to any hitter, in any count. I need to get better at throwing my pitches down in the zone with conviction.”

He’ll be working hard at every pitch this off-season. Currently using a mix of a 4-seam fastball, a sinker, a slider, and a changeup in his repertoire; Carkuff has the goods to find continued success with the right development moving forward.

Pitching exclusively as a reliever in pro ball, Carkuff describes what he likes best about his role in the Blue Jays’ system.

“I love relieving, because it’s usually a high pressure moment,” said Carkuff. “I feel I do my best when I’m under pressure. Also you get to come in and blow it out for a short period of time and hand it off to the next guy.”

Most likely remaining a reliever for the foreseeable future, fans of the Toronto Blue Jays will have their eye on Jared Carkuff, as he could answer a bullpen need in upcoming seasons.

Author information

Brian Crawford

Covering the Lansing Lugnuts since 2012, Brian has interviewed several prospects and produced articles that's received a lot of attention from numerous media sources.